Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 355

Wes comes to an abrupt stop a few feet from me, breathing heavily from his run. "Hi, Luna."

He avoided me for months after the vampire incident, apparently suffering from a severe case of hero worship. Once I finally cornered him and told him to treat me like normal, we’ve regained a new status quo.

One where he stares at me with stars in his eyes, and I try really, really hard not to notice.

The hero worship has yet to wane. He’s absolutely fascinated with the fact that his Luna can wield magic. Most of the younger wolves are. Some of the older ones aren’t thrilled, but the overwhelming response has been in my favor, effectively keeping them quiet.

Oh, there are whispers. And those whispers are routed to Lucas’ ears.

I know they exist, but I refuse to know what people are saying. As Selene and Vanessa have both pointed out, my self-esteem can be deflated with a single pin.

It’s a work in progress.

"What are you doing, Wes?" Judging from his flushed cheeks and how he was running across the compound, I’d guess he’s on some sort of errand. The younger wolves have really stepped up lately. Many of them even help gather firewood.

Wes grimaces before smoothing his expression into careful neutrality. "I was tasked with helping the Aspen wolves settle in, Luna."

His attitude catches my attention immediately. "What’s wrong?"

"Nothing’s wrong," Wes replies, his gaze fixed somewhere over my left shoulder, avoiding mine.

I narrow my eyes, channeling every ounce of stern Luna energy I can muster. It’s not much, considering I still feel like an imposter most days, but I give it my best shot.

Selene, ever the helpful companion, radiates just a touch of her power. It’s enough to make Wes’ shoulders slump in defeat.

"I don’t like the Aspen wolves," he admits in a whisper.

The soft words startle me. The Aspen wolves have integrated seamlessly into our pack life since their arrival. They pull their weight, joining hunting parties and scouting expeditions. They’ve even been invaluable in relaying information back to Alpha Clayton. Having a solid relationship with a stable ally has boosted the morale in Wolf’s Landing greatly.

"Why not?" I probe gently. "They’ve been nothing but helpful." _{freeweɓnovel.cѳm}

Wes scowls, his youthful features twisting in distaste. "They all think Ivy’s a better Luna candidate. And they think Alpha Lucas is going to take her as his second mate. But he would never!"

Selene growls low in her throat, the sound reverberating through our bond. I reach out to tug at her ears, a gesture that’s become our silent signal for ’calm down’.

"Don’t worry about such silly rumors, Wes," I say, forcing a lightness into my tone that I don’t feel. Inside, irritation flares hot and bright. It’s an emotion I’ve become all too familiar with since Ivy’s arrival.

Who do you think those rumors came from? Selene grumbles through our bond.

I tug at her ears again, harder this time. Such things can’t be proven. Even though the same damn thoughts go through my head. They wouldn’t come up with such an idea out of nowhere.

You can’t ignore this forever.

"I’m not ignoring it. I’m choosing not to let it affect me."

Selene’s disbelief radiates through our bond. And how’s that working out for you?

I don’t answer. We both know the truth.

Ivy, with her perfect hair and flawless skin, her easy grace and effortless charm. Ivy, who seems to know exactly what to say and do in every situation. Ivy, who comes from a respected pack and understands wolf politics in a way I never will. Always ingratiating herself with as many people as she can, solidifying her power base.

Stop it, Selene growls, nudging my hand with her nose. You’re spiraling again.

Scowling at the reminder, I take a deep breath. Then five more. My pulse slows, having kicked up several notches since Wes started talking.

"I should talk to Lucas," I mutter, more to myself than to Selene.

Yes, you should, she agrees readily. Communication is key in any relationship, especially one as complicated as yours.

I snort at that. Complicated doesn’t even begin to cover it.